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Just an FYI for anyone planning a trip to Linville Gorge, the Spence Ridge bridge was washed away by recent floods. This is the same bridge that was dramatically chopperd into the gorge a number of years ago. The ranger I talked to said there are no concrete plans for a replacement as of this time. Plan accordingly if you're gonna be hiking there.

Dan, thanks for info...I only wish I was heading that way for a few days.

Curious how difficult it is to cross the river there without the bridge? This should make things a lot more interesting for all those backpackers trying to do a gorge loop!

It'd be tricky to say the least, I personally wouldn't attempt it considering where you'd be if something went wrong. Upstream might offer more options for a crossing but going off-trail in Linville Gorge isn't exactly my idea of fun.

Bridge gone? There is a God!
When water at normal flow getting across is fairly easy. It depends on location. (I've crossed in multiple locations in the entire gorge.)